RICS HomeBuyer Report (Level 2)

The HomeBuyer Report (Also known as a LEVEL 2 RICS survey) is a mid-range survey, designed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Suitable for the majority of UK properties, its standardised structure and clear, jargon-free language makes it easy for buyers to understand the structural defects that are present.

What is included in the RICS HomeBuyer Report?

The survey includes a detailed inspection of the interior and exterior features of a property and includes associated utilities and some aspects of the grounds. The methods used to investigate the property are non-invasive and are tailored towards conventionally-built properties.

Any concerns found during a LEVEL 2 RICS HomeBuyer Report are graded according to their significance, and colour-coded using a traffic light system to emphasise critical defects. Your report will also include detailed, professional advice on how you should address any faults, although you will not receive additional comments about features that are deemed to be in a satisfactory condition.

When is a RICS HomeBuyer Report suitable?

A HomeBuyer Report is ideal if the house or apartment seems to be in generally good condition but may not entirely meet current building regulations. It can also be useful for determining the severity of structural problems such as damp or subsidence. For unusual properties, such as conversions, listed sites or buildings that have undergone – or will undergo – significant alterations, then a comprehensive Building Survey would be more suitable.

Does a RICS HomeBuyer Report include a valuation?

The standard Homebuyer Report does not include a valuation, however, if you require a valuation for insurance reinstatement estimates or another purpose, we can conduct this at the same time for an additional fee.

Case Study: Upminster

Able Surveyors was recently asked to carry out a survey for a HomeBuyer Report on a five-bedroom home in Upminster. Built in the 1930s, the building had undergone a loft conversion, a two-storey extension and the addition of two conservatories, all estimated to have been carried out in the 1980s. Considering these significant renovations and the age of the building, our survey found the property to be in reasonable condition.

The major concerns included potential structural movement, indicated by vertical cracks in the front of the property, and the solid brick walls, which are susceptible to condensation and damp. There was also some vegetation suspected to be Japanese Knotweed, a problem which can be expensive and difficult to eradicate. You can read more about these issues and the other, less-urgent defects that were found at the property by reading the full HomeBuyer Report.

Unsure if this is the survey for you? Compare the RICS Homebuyer report with our other RICS approved surveys, or contact us and one of our friendly team will be happy to discuss your survey options.

Download Sample Report

Able Surveyors have built up an excellent reputation for commercial property management services and specialist building surveys for homes and businesses in London and the Home Counties. From our offices in Essex and Central London, we deliver valuable, commercially focused advice and guidance to assist property owners, operators and managers of retail premises, industrial units, educational establishments and other business premises, as well as residential property, to make informed decisions about their asset acquisition, disposal or management.
We have 25+ years of surveying experience and a seasoned team of RICS Chartered Surveyors to put at your disposal. Our highly competent, motivated surveyors have a wealth of expertise dealing with different types of residential and commercial property in and around London, providing commercial property management services and building surveys for homes and businesses. If you are looking for valuable professional insights to help you get the most from your property investment or building management, you couldn’t be in better hands.

Able Surveyors are proud to be members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), our esteemed professional body. We comply with the strict RICS code of conduct, rules and regulations and are regularly monitored for quality. That way, we can provide peace of mind to all clients that they will continue to receive the highest standards of service excellence. As experienced construction management professionals in the London area, we are also members of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
We offer a wealth of professional surveying and building-related services for residential and commercial property clients in Central London, Greater London and Essex. Our extensive service portfolio comprises the full suite of RICS property surveys and valuations as well as in-depth surveys for specific defects or concerns, including detailed damp and subsidence investigations, and snagging reports for new-build property. For commercial landlords and tenants, we can help with Schedules of Condition and Dilapidation Surveys as well as Lease Extension Surveys and more.

CONTACT US

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0207 164 6628
info@ablesurveyors.co.uk

Andrew Mulvey

12/04/2022

I can't say enough good things about Able - not just on the survey quality, but also on the excellent communication. They knew I was in a hurry, and they made sure they gave me the earliest possible slot (about a week after paying). On the day, the surveyor kindly called me and spent half an hour talking through what he found, to put my mind at ease. The next day, I got a summary of the survey. And a couple of days later, the full survey report. It was incredibly detailed, and answered all my questions. It also listed the costs of each repair. A few weeks later, and after the searches came back, I emailed Able with a list of questions. A couple of hours later, the surveyor personally called me and spent an hour going through each point step by step. At no point did I feel rushed, and he spent time reassuring me about each item I was worried about. All in all, dealing with Able was the best experience I have had in the home-buying process, and I would be delighted to use them again if I ever buy another place.

arpana agarwal

11/03/2022

Jack did a great job for us and was available for any follow-up questions in a timely manner. We got a thorough and professional report at a much more reasonable cost than other firms. Thank you!

Achilleas Konstantelakis

15/12/2021

Excellent service and communication. High quality report with lots of detail. I highly recommend them.

Sharon B

08/11/2021

One of the best people you want to use when considering buying a property. Communication was second to none and the report provided was detailed and gave me the assurance I was looking for. Very reasonable price for a first time buyer.

Alireza Mohammadi

05/11/2021

I am happy with service they provided. I was in dark regarding a house that I am going to buy but they stepped in and shed some lights and gave me some insights about the condition of the property. They are resposive nd helpful. I am happy with their service and also I have to mention that their price was reasonable.

Vivian Wijaya

04/11/2021

My second time using their services, this time with surveyor Jack. As always: professional report, prompt response with follow up call. Honest (refunded unnecessary part of the survey). Got returning customer discount. Absolutely nothing to complain. They are ABLE, as the name says.

Stefan Laxness

30/09/2021

Very efficient, very competent, excellent customer service!

Chris Folarin

29/09/2021

I felt good because of the impeccable services i received. For keeping me in loop all the way is very professional even when you couldn't reach the agent. The report was very detailed and the attention to details was very impressive. The Initial report i first received was very commendable. Great job and keep it up.